Chloe Zhang
Plastic is everywhere, and it's cheap to produce and profitable. However, plastic waste is a serious problem, and it's not always easy to recycle. While many types of plastic can be recycled, the process is not always straightforward or accessible. For example, plastic bags and films are not accepted in most curbside recycling programs due to the risk of clogging machinery, but some retailers offer in-store drop-off recycling for these items. It's important to check with local recycling providers and follow guidelines to ensure proper plastic disposal and contribute to a more sustainable planet.
What to do with plastic if you can't recycle it
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic Type | Thermoset plastics cannot be recycled due to irreversible chemical bonds. |
| Eco-friendly Disposal | Some plastics may not suit eco-friendly disposal methods. |
| Local Programs | Check local programs to see what plastic can be recycled in your area. |
| Retailers | Retail and grocery stores may accept plastic bags and wraps for recycling. |
| Store Drop-off | Some plastics with the Store Drop-off label can be recycled at participating retailers. |
| Reuse | Reuse plastic items where possible, e.g., gift bags, boxes, and tissue paper. |
| Reduce | Advocate for reduced plastic production, especially single-use plastics. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic bags and films can be recycled at specific stores
Plastic bags and films cannot be put in most household recycling bins or kerbside recycling bins. This is because they run the risk of clogging the recycling machines if not separated properly. However, many of these packages are eligible for Store Drop-off recycling.
In the US, plastic bags, wraps, and films can be recycled at participating retail and grocery stores. Some retailers collect plastic film packaging from consumers and back-haul it to multiple businesses that recycle it into new products.
Before dropping off your plastic bags and films at these stores, ensure that they are clean, dry, and free of residue. Receipts should also be removed.
The plastic film is then baled and sold to independent companies that turn them into tiny plastic pellets. These pellets can be recycled into new film, pouch, or bag forms, or used to create synthetic lumber for decking or park benches.
Some large retailers will have recycling bins outside or inside their stores. You can also check with your local grocery and department stores or visit Earth911 to find a location near you that recycles plastic bags and films.
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Cut off sealable zippers from plastic bags before recycling
If you can't recycle plastic, there are several alternative options to consider. For example, you can try to reuse the plastic items, or opt for more sustainable alternatives.
When it comes to plastic bags with sealable zippers, such as Ziploc bags, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to check with your local recycling provider to see if they accept these items. While Ziploc bags are recyclable, not all recycling programs accept them due to the risk of clogging machines if thin plastic bags are not separated properly.
To increase the chances of your plastic bags being recycled, remember to cut off the sealable zippers before recycling the bags. This is because the zippers are made from a different type of plastic than the bag itself, and they need to be separated for proper recycling. The bags can then be taken to retail and grocery stores that accept plastic bags for recycling.
Additionally, you can consider reusing Ziploc bags instead of immediately disposing of them. They can be washed and dried using a bag dryer or by making one yourself from chopsticks or old plastic hangers. However, it is not recommended to reuse bags that contained raw meat, greasy items, or moldy foods. If you are uncomfortable with reusing plastic bags for food storage, you can use them to store non-food items such as toys, craft supplies, or travel-sized toiletries.
Another option is to switch to reusable alternatives, such as silicone bags or containers, which are sturdier and more environmentally friendly than disposable plastic bags. These alternatives may have a higher upfront cost but can help reduce the amount of plastic waste generated over time.
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Plastic bags are not recycled at the curb
Plastic bags cannot be recycled at the curb because they clog the machinery at recycling centers. They are also a source of contamination in a city's curbside recycling program. Most recycling facilities are designed to handle plastic bottles and containers, and workers or equipment can easily identify and separate these items. However, plastic bags need to be ripped open and discarded, which is a waste of time and resources.
There are some curbside programs that accept plastic bags, but these are few and far between. For example, residents of a Chicago suburb can recycle plastic film packaging curbside thanks to a program launched by Dow and Waste Management. Nevertheless, it is always best to check with local recycling providers to see if they accept plastic bags for recycling.
If you want to recycle plastic bags, you will usually need to take them to a dedicated collection point. Many retailers, both large and small, offer bag recycling collections, and the bins are usually located near the front entrance. Some of the retailers that offer this service include Kroger, Safeway, Target, and Walmart.
To recycle plastic bags, make sure they are clean and dry, with no food residue or other products that may leave behind residue. Remove any receipts, stickers, or crumbs from inside the bags, as these will contaminate the load. Keep a bag collection bin in your house, such as a large garbage bag, and try to fit as many plastic bags as you can inside.
It is important to note that not all plastic bags are recyclable. If a bag does not have a #2 or #4 plastic symbol, it is difficult to determine what plastic resin it is made from. In this case, it is best to reuse the bag as much as possible before eventually throwing it away.
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Recycled plastic can be used for decking or park benches
If you can't recycle plastic, you can always reuse it. For example, you could use plastic bags more than once before throwing them away. However, if you're looking for ways to recycle plastic, there are many companies that use recycled plastic to make decking or park benches.
Trex, for example, is one of the largest plastic film recyclers in the US. They make eco-friendly composite decks from a blend of up to 95% recycled plastic film and reclaimed wood. They save about 1 billion+ pounds of plastic film and reclaimed wood from landfills each year. Their decking portfolio is manufactured using up to 95% recycled and reclaimed content, including sandwich bags, newspaper sleeves, and shopping bags.
Another company, Polly Products, makes recycled plastic outdoor benches in a variety of styles and lengths. Their products are designed for heavy commercial use and are suitable for all types of outdoor areas, including parks, playgrounds, and gardens. Recycled plastic is a great material for outdoor furniture because it is low-maintenance, durable, and resistant to food or liquid stains.
TheBenchFactory.com also offers customizable memorial benches made from recycled plastic.
Recycled plastic can be used to create synthetic lumber, which can then be used for decking or park benches. This process involves turning plastic films into tiny plastic pellets, which can be formed into the desired shape.
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Check local programs to confirm what plastic can be recycled
It is important to check with local programs to confirm what plastic can be recycled in your area. This is because recycling programs vary from community to community, and there may be different rules and accepted materials in each location. For instance, plastic bags, wraps, and films are not accepted in most curbside or drop-off programs in the US, but many of these packages are eligible for store drop-off recycling. Similarly, thin plastic bags or films may not be accepted in kerbside collections in some areas as they can clog machines if not separated properly.
To find out more about what plastic can be recycled in your area, you can contact your local recycler or recycling provider, or visit your community's recycling website. Retail and grocery stores may also be able to provide information on what plastic they accept for recycling. It is also worth looking out for scannable QR codes that can provide more information on local recycling programs.
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Frequently asked questions
Many types of plastic can be recycled, even if the process is not widespread. The difference in the recyclability of plastic types can be down to how they are made; thermoplastics can be re-melted and re-molded, whereas thermoset plastics contain polymers that form irreversible chemical bonds and cannot be recycled.
Plastic bags are recyclable but not at the curb. They can cause costly shutdowns of sorting lines as they get caught in machinery. Many retail and grocery stores accept plastic bags for recycling.
Plastic wraps and films are not accepted in most curbside or drop-off programs. However, many of these packages are eligible for store drop-off recycling.
Plastic packaging that doesn't conform to standard shapes like bottles, jars, or buckets, such as blister packaging or plastic wrap, can be dropped off for recycling at some specialist recycling businesses.
Containers smaller than 6 ounces are not recyclable at home. However, they may be accepted at specialist recycling businesses.
